Lebron James’ beef with the Grizzlies explained

From Ja Morant’s jabs to Dillon Brooks’ confrontational stance, the Memphis Grizzlies have developed a reputation for being the new kids on the block with an attitude. If we’re honest, their sensational play has shown they can walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Yet, there are some who haven’t quite acquired the taste including LeBron James and his associates.

Did the beef start with LeBron James vs Dillon Brooks?

Where context is concerned, it’s not insignificant that the Lakers’ last title - 2020 - and subsequent demise preceded the Grizzlies’ first seat at the table of contenders in the NBA. Indeed, it was just around that time that Memphis announced themselves to the league as a team that wasn’t just there to make up numbers. An apologetic new generation of top talent on one side, and an established crop of players on the other. Then came January of 2021. The teams were engaged in a fierce battle and with the clock winding down, LeBron James was given the ball with Dillon Brooks in tow. Without getting into details, it was this moment where the Shannon Sharpe’s “too small” comment became synonymous with Brooks and an entire archive of memes was sparked on social media, after the Hall of Famer exchange words with the entire team from the sideline.

Maybe Desmond Bane is guilty

Let’s skip to January of 2022 - apparently the new year doesn’t suit these two - and we saw a now solid Grizzlies playing in LA against a very much below par Lakers. Following a solid 3-point conversion, the Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane appeared to give James a body check, which the icon didn’t take kindly to. James then returned the favor on the next play and so it went until later James was overheard in a less than kind back and forth with the Grizzlies. Needless to say, the rest of the game wasn’t much better as seen by James’ aggressive dunk on Jaren Jackson Jr.

Lakers vs Grizzlies or Brooks vs James? What’s the bottom line?

Truth be told, if we get into a debate about the variables it will become subjective. On the other hand, if we talk about stats - which are only a part of the picture - then the reality is this: Since his rookie season back in 2017, Brooks has faced James on 11 occasions. Across those games, James has averaged 25.2 points on 52.2% shooting for a 9-2 record. While it’s true that the Grizzlies have won three of the last four meetings between the teams, those numbers can’t be ignored. Ultimately, it would be accurate to say that the Grizzlies come into this series in better form. On the other hand, form means nothing when you’re playing against an opponent who you’ve rubbed the wrong way.